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Debating German role in saving eurozone

Germany, which has the largest economy in Europe, has been a pivotal supporter of bailing out eurozone countries facing acute economic crises, including Greece and Portugal, and it currently supports the plan to help Spain.

Berlin is so keen on helping the region, facing a worsening debt crisis and a depreciating currency, that parliament is voting on a permanent rescue mechanism.

However, a former central banker in Germany says his country can no longer afford to bankroll its struggling neighbours.